Buying a foldable pushchair [Tempaste.com]

A foldable pushchair is a great solution for quick excursions. They are usually light and suitable for children from four years old and up. They have large wheels, and a nice basket.

Their name comes from the way they fold. It's akin to an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is effortless while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way that pushchairs fold can be an important factor when purchasing one. It's not just about how they are easy to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with a concertina or scissor fold if you are looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal if you plan on using public transport or travelling with your child.

Many of these types of pushchairs have a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs can be used by babies from 6 months old. Some also have an adequate recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories such as buggie bags, seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.

In addition to the ease of folding there are other aspects that you should consider when choosing a buggy such as whether the fabric is machine washable, and if it has quick-release wheels. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important because it allows you can easily wash off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs have the scissor fold. This is the place where the entire buggy is folded in half like scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is usually the easiest to unfold as you just need to lift the handles upwards and then fold the seat back. It isn't easy to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

Aside from a scissor fold are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. They can also be difficult to store as they have a long rectangular shape when in a closed position. They are however, light and usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are a great choice for families that travel.

Lightweight

Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The jargon can be confusing and the folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to comprehend. The type of folding you select will determine how easy it is to transport and store the pushchair.

A compact pushchair is a great option for those with little storage space. There are a myriad of different types, ranging from compact umbrella folds to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can even be used from birth with a newborn carrycot, Pushchair Travel system although it is essential to check the lie flat specifications of any model that is intended to be used with a newborn.

A pushchair that folds as an umbrella is a practical and simple option. It takes up a tiny space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact they fold in a similar manner to an umbrella. This makes them be easily inserted into storage spaces and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight, and the majority of models come with rain covers to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds into three or more sections with the frame and seat over each other and then collapsing into itself. They are the smallest and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs will have a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a safe pouch on the hood to help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder temperatures. Some brands offer these in the form of a bundle, while others sell them individually.

Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This makes cleaning much easier and quicker. It is also essential to check that the brakes work correctly and to remove any mud off the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

You may want to consider an infant stroller that can be folded into a compact travel pram shape if you plan to take it on public transport or to take it on vacation. This type of pushchair is also likely to be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a boot or in a small car.

A variety of folding pushchairs are available to pick from, and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some are focused on speed and ease of use, while others offer a smaller or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, as it is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage compartments.

There are two types of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most popular brakes are foot brakes which operate by pressing a single pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always moving around but have to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are commonly found on joggers and pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter momentum during a run for instance. City pushchairs typically have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with a lever that activates the brake opposite to give you maximum control.

Depending on your baby's age, you may wish to choose a stroller that has a lie-flat seating or is travel system compatible to allow you to attach an infant carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to fold up quickly with the carrycot still on the frame. Alternatively, the lightweight carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.

If you're thinking of traveling with your child in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. Verify that the stroller can fit through an airport standard doorway, and that it can be lifted up and down the stairs. If you are planning to use your pushchair on vacation, it's best to carry an umbrella with you to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They fold easily and take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They are also ideal for public transport and vacations. Some models are even suitable to be used with a car seat.

Some models fold down so small they're nearly flat. They're great when you don't have lots of storage space at home or in your car boot, but they may be more cumbersome to transport than buggies with larger capacities.

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D styles. They are easier to handle however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They are also quite long when folded, which makes them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Other models fold in a scissor fashion in which the seatback folds toward the front of buggy and the entire frame collapses into an unflattering, square-ish form. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resultant long rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy usually made from SPF fabric, which helps protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The best options have a removable hood to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Also consider a footmuff that can keep your baby warm in colder temperatures.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. If you've got mud on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer, or hose to wash it off. If this fails then you can try an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in a damp and wet condition or in a mouldy condition for too long, the fabric may become damaged and mildewed. If this occurs, you'll have to begin by removing any mould or mildew that has escaped with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing according to the directions.